UK road upgrades
The funding will be used for vital road upgrades in North Yorkshire, Hampshire and the Midlands. Credit: Hert Niks on Unsplash.

The UK Government has announced £93m of funding for major road upgrades across the country.

Funding is said to be part of government efforts to support economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “I am delighted to announce this significant funding package, which will ensure millions of people can continue to travel easily and safely. It’s further proof of this government delivering on its promise to level up the country, putting transport at the heart of our efforts to build back better from Covid-19.

“The projects will help people access work and education, as well as ensuring vital connectivity for local businesses.

“While everyone will see the benefits of these schemes in time, for now, it’s important to remember to only travel for the permitted reasons while we continue to prioritise protecting public health and preventing the spread of the virus. Through staying at home, you can help stop the virus and save lives.”

The funding will enable vital road upgrades in North Yorkshire, Hampshire, and the Midlands.

The majority has been allocated for the Northern Powerhouse, which will receive £56m for an overhaul of the Kex Gill section of the A59 in North Yorkshire.

The road improvement in the Kex Gill section is expected to improve connectivity between the historic towns of Harrogate and Skipton.

Meanwhile, the West Midlands will receive a £24m investment, which will be used for reducing traffic congestion at Birchley Island, situated at the intersection of the M5, A4123, and A4034.

As part of this scheme, the existing carriageway on the roundabout will be widened and will also see the addition of new lanes, which will improve connectivity between the Midlands and the national motorway network, as well as improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

The project will not only create new jobs but is also expected to increase the region’s manufacturing output and improve air quality.

In addition, the government initiative will help Hampshire execute £13m worth of crucial upgrades at the Redbridge Causeway bridges spanning the River Test.